Former President Goodluck Jonathan has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and security personnel to create a level-playing field to ensure free and fair polling in the September 21 governorship election in Edo State.
Jonathan, who made this call in a statement on Thursday, sued for peace before, during, and after the pools, urging political actors and stakeholders to work towards deepening the nation's democracy by prioritising the peace and security of Edo state.
According to the statement by his media adviser, Ikechukwu Eze, the ex-president stressed that the Edo election places a moral burden on state agencies especially the police and the INEC to rise to their constitutional responsibilities as independent arbiters in our democratic process.
He added that for democracy to endure, elections must be devoid of all forms of manipulation and state institutions must guarantee peaceful, credible and transparent elections.
Jonathan further charged the election management body to live up to expectations as an unbiased umpire and inspire confidence in all actors through a transparent voting process.
